Overview & Reviews

At first glance, the Jeep Patriot crossover evokes the boxy, go-anywhere Jeep Cherokee of old. And that's the way Jeep wants it. But underneath, the Patriot utilizes the same platform as the old, discontinued -- and generally unloved -- Dodge Caliber hatchback. Fundamentally more of an economy car than a real SUV, the Patriot is a tough pill for the Jeep faithful to swallow.

You do get respectable approach and departure angles, ample ground clearance and the availability of a serious four-wheel-drive package that adds low-range gearing and skid plates, among other goodies. But when you get right down to it, there's just not a lot of substance behind the Patriot's bold face. Other vehicles in the segment offer roomier interiors, more standard features, higher fuel economy, stronger performance, superior fit and finish and comparable off-road capability. Overall, we think most shoppers will be better served by looking elsewhere.

Current Jeep Patriot
The Jeep Patriot is a compact crossover available in three main trim levels: Sport, Latitude and Limited. The base Sport doesn't even come with full power accessories or air-conditioning, but it makes do with basics like 16-inch steel wheels, cruise control and a four-speaker sound system. The Latitude adds the Sport's missing features plus alloy wheels, a height-adjustable driver seat and heated front seats. The Limited boasts rear disc brakes (the others get rear drums), leather upholstery and automatic climate control. Options include distinctive flip-down tailgate speakers, USB and Bluetooth connectivity, a 6.5-inch touchscreen and roof rails.

The standard engine for front-wheel-drive Sport and Latitude models is a 158-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder. A 2.4-liter four-cylinder that makes 172 hp is optional on those trims and standard on the Limited trim, as well as on all Patriots that have four-wheel drive. The Sport and Latitude come standard with a five-speed manual transmission and are eligible for a six-speed automatic, while the Limited gets the automatic as standard. The limited-edition Altitude and High Altitude sub-trims are equipped with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

There are two four-wheel-drive systems offered. The first, a single-speed system that's technically just all-wheel drive, can be paired with either the manual or six-speed automatic transmission in Sport trim, but the automatic comes standard on the higher trims. Opting for Freedom Drive II four-wheel drive substitutes the CVT but also adds low-range gearing, all-terrain tires, skid plates, hill ascent and descent control, front and rear tow hooks and a full-size spare tire.

Due to its slim profile and high load floor, the Patriot doesn't have a lot of space inside. The rear seats are on the tight side and storage space is limited. The rear seatbacks fold down in a 60/40 split to open up 53.5 cubic feet of storage space, but most rivals offer significantly more.

In reviews, we've found the Jeep Patriot disappointing from behind the wheel. The ride quality is relatively crude, thanks to a suspension that's easily unsettled by imperfect roads, and the cabin is pretty noisy at speed. The 2.4-liter four delivers just adequate acceleration with the manual or six-speed automatic, and it's lethargic with the CVT. The base 2.0-liter four, meanwhile, is underpowered and barely more fuel-efficient than the 2.4. Even models equipped with Freedom Drive II fail to convince, since there are other compact SUVs out there that perform just fine in the dirt while offering a superior experience in civilization. Another major complaint concerns the lackluster quality of the Patriot's interior materials.

Used Jeep Patriot Models
The Jeep Patriot was introduced for 2007. Some features were added a year later, but 2009 saw the first big changes in the form of a new and improved interior. Prior to that, the crummy hard plastics created one of the worst cabins on the market. For 2010, the 158-hp four-cylinder could be paired to the five-speed manual for the first time. These 2007-'10 Patriots lack the upgrades made to the 2011 model, including minor exterior styling changes, improved interior trim, reworked steering and suspension systems, and a taller 4WD ride height. The six-speed automatic didn't appear until the 2014 model year, which is also when front-seat side airbags became standard across the lineup.

User Reviews:

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  Great little jeep! - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By Dean - April 15 - 5:36 am

  I bought it new in mid 08 2.4 5spd 4x4. I have already put over 50k on it. Gas mileage is 22-29. It is very reliable. Great brakes, not had to change them yet. Smooth clutch. smart interior. Only prob was a leak in sunroof. You get alot for your money plus great warranty!

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  Mid-Term Review (2 yrs) - North Edition - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By quattroNORTH - April 6 - 10:00 am

  The Pat can rattle driving on gravel roads or offroad. Esp annoying are rattles coming from inside the steering column & the int. dr panels. Gas mileage can be sensitive, so stick to the manuals instructions. Take-off & passing perf are slow, & youd have to make your engine scream. But once momentum kicks in, it can be quite quick. Extreme cold weather starts (even plugged-in) can hesitate. Looks are great w/ lift kit & interior is roomy for its class. Pkg & value are superb, and offroad abilities are still good for its class. But too many Dodge Caliber parts. And 4WD LOCK doesnt seem to make much difference. Great looks & handling in snow and otherwise. SIRIUS reception can be spotty.

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  2014 Jeep Patriot Sport 4x4 (6A) - 2014 Jeep Patriot
  By sfields89 - March 27 - 10:51 am

  I purchased my patriot in May of 2014. Every since then, Ive been so impressed with my patriot. Im a college student at Washington State University. It snows a lot in the winter time. This jeep handles great in all types of weather. From school to my home town, Seattle WA, is about a 5 hour drive. My patriot does great on the road and handles hydroplaning, snow, gusts of wind, and carrying heavy loads of my stuff greatly. Has enough space to take a group of friends out on the town, parks basically anywhere in the city, great at U turns, and has enough power to take me back to school in all seasons. The freedrive 1 system works great and is much better than most CUVs on the road.

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  Only family car for tall families < $20K - 2010 Jeep Patriot
  By fishgutz - March 14 - 8:46 am

  This is the only family car you will find under $20K, gets 39 MPG highway even though rating is 25, and that fits a 63" teenager behind a 510" adult. Very impressive response from the 2.4 L and CVT. I like it. So does the wife. It will be her primary vehicle. More room and better fuel economy than our 1999 Cherokee. I would have no problem recommending this to anyone.

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  Love My Patroit - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By Diana Havens - March 1 - 3:26 pm

  Today driving to work at 65 mph I reach 29.4 mpg.. It is a 4x2, love being up higher. Buy one! Friend told me he couldnt get that kind of gas mileage with his wrangler. DO YOU REALLY NEED 4 Wheel drive. NO!

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  Impressed where less truly is more! - 2016 Jeep Patriot
  By SBoggs - February 28 - 2:36 pm

  I have the very base Patriot model from 2016 with manual transmission, manual windows and manual locks. Conversely, it has air conditioning (much needed this summer), bluetooth technology and Sirius XM radio. I have received several compliments from others about the appearance of my new SUV and have been very impressed with its performance thus far. I was able to get a fair price from a dealer that is willing to go the "extra mile" for customer satisfaction. I am a satisfied customer! I have been driving it daily since I bought it in mid-July and have not encountered any of the problems I read about on the web. I also like the extra space in the vehicle by its intentional design. I am very appreciative there is a manufacturer still willing to make an affordable 5 speed manual transmission for an SUV. Well done.

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  So long Toyota - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By luvit - February 23 - 1:23 am

  I have had nothing but a Toyota for 20 plus years until now. After my last Toyota going back to dealer as a lemon, I picked up the Jeep and love. I did not think the ride would come close to a Toyota but it has, and in my view even a little better. I have not heard the so called screaming red line engine noise to get up to speed on the highway, in fact I feel a better performance than my Toyota did. Yes it has the Jeep look and interior, but really not that bad at all. It does feel safe on the road with a good view of what is around you, a problem I had with the Toyota blind spots to the side rear. All in all, I am glad I made the change.

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  Used to love mine but... - 2008 Jeep Patriot
  By luvmyxterra - February 20 - 1:47 pm

  I bought my 08 Patriot new, and loved it. It was one of the only 5 speed 4x4s available and it was a great value, coming equipped with a moonroof, cruise, power windows, and a built in inverter, among my favorite accessories. I loved the ingenious little spare flashlight that doubled as the rear dome light. What happened? First, the moonroof leaks at random, and will dump up to 1/2 a cup of water on my dash (and me) at will. The ball joints failed at 45K, making it feel like I was driving on marbles, making horrible clunking sounds when I drove over bumps. Luckily bumper to bumper covered it, but now rust bubbles are the deal breaker. Looking to trade for a Mitsu Outlander.

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  Great car - 2015 Jeep Patriot
  By Susan Prisco - February 10 - 6:18 pm

  Best I found in the price range!

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  So much fun - 2007 Jeep Patriot
  By Wray2702 - February 10 - 12:36 am

  My husband and I just purchased our Patriot about a week and a half ago and we absolutely love it! We were having a hard time finding one that we liked enough to buy, so you may have to be patient. The price was right and I have to say that this is the most fun I have had driving a car in a long time.